Hair clasp device

ABSTRACT

A hair clasp device such as a barrette includes a polymeric resin base having a cantilevered toothed first clamp arm extending from a first end of the base toward its opposite second end and a second arcuate clamp arm is hinged to the base second end and is provided with a slot which is engaged by the first arm when the arms are in their clamped position. A locking member is located at the base first end and is rockable to opposite sides of an equilibrium position to a lock position engaging the second arm free end in its clamped position and to an unlock position, and is alternatively urged to its lock and unlock position by a resilient arm integrally formed with the base. The lock member is swung to a lock position by movement of the second arm to its clamped position and is manually swung to an unlock position.

United States Patent [191 Solomon 1451 Oct. 15, 1974 HAIR CLASP DEVICE [22] Filed: Nov. 7, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 304,309

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 165,018, July 22, 1971,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 132/48 A [51] Int. Cl A45d 8/24 [58] Field of Search 132/48 R, 46, 37, 48 A;

128/321, 337, 346,402; 24/259 no, 255, 24/258, ZKEQBCVL JLHQ [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,412,739 11/1968 Thatcher 132/48 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,203,910 4/1959 France 132/48 R 589,468 12/1933 Germany 132/48 R Primary Examiner-Gregory E. McNeil] Assistant Examiner-Gregory E. McNeill Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Howard C. Miskin [5 7] ABSTRACT A hair clasp device such as a barrette includes a polymeric resin base having a cantilevered toothed first clamp arm extending from a first end of the base toward its opposite second end and a second arcuate clamp arm is hinged to the base second end and is provided with a slot which is engaged by the first arm when the arms are in their clamped position. A locking member is located at the base first end and is rockable to opposite sides of an equilibrium position to a lock position engaging the second arm free end in its clamped position and to an unlock position, and is alternatively urged to its lock and unlock position by a resilient arm integrally formed with the base. The lock member is swung to a lock position by movement of the second arm to its clamped position and is manually swung to an unlock position.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED BUT I 51974 3.841 .340

: nl I mveum NATHAN L. SOLOMON ATTORNEY.

HAIR CLASP DEVICE This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 165,018, filed July 22, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in clamping devices and it relates more particularly to an improved hair clasp or clamp device, such as a barrette or the like.

The conventional hair clasps, such as those employed for gathering or shaping the hair or for supporting hair ornaments and decorations, such as barrettes or the like, possess numerous drawbacks and disadvantages. Among these disadvantages are their unreliability in holding a tress of hair, difiiculty in application, complexity, relatively high cost and limited application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved hair device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanism for releaseably attaching an ornament or decoration to the hair.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair clasp device such as a barrette or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hair device of the above nature characterized by its simplicity, reliability, positive locking, ease of application to and release from the hair, low cost, ruggedness, versatility and adaptability.

In a sense the present invention contemplates the provision of a hair clasp including a base member to one end of which is mounted a cantilevered first resilient clamp arm, a second clamp arm hinged to the opposite end of the base member, and a locking member mounted on the base member and in its lock position releaseably engaging the free end of the second clamp arm when in its closed or clamp position. The locking member is advantageously actuated to its lock position by the closing of the second clamp arm and is manually actuated to its release or unlock position. The first clamp arm is advantageously integrally formed with the base member and provided with outwardly directed teeth and the second clamp member has an elongated slot engaging the first clamp arm when the clamp isclosed.

Another feature of the improved hair clasp device is .the structure of the locking means which includes a locking member mounted for rockable movement on the base member about a transverse axis at the first end of the base member and including a pair of transversely spaced front and rear parallel plates. The plates are so related as to lie in the path of movement of the second clamp arm free end when the locking member is in its lock position, and when the locking member is in its unlock position only the front plate lies in the path of movement of the second clamp arm free end. A spring arm integrally formed with the base member bears on the front of the locking member to alternatively urge the locking member to its lock or unlock position on opposite sides of an intermediate equilibrium position.

The improved hair clasp is reliable, inexpensive, rugged, easy to apply and operate and of great versatility and adaptability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a barrette embodying the present invention, shown in a hair clasping position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 13-3 in FIG. 2, the hair not being shown;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the device being illustrated in an open condition; and

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawing, and particularly FIGS. 1 to 4 thereof which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a barrette, the reference numeral 10 generally designates the improved barrette which is advantageously formed of a synthetic organic polymeric resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride or the like, in any suitable manner. The barrette 10 includes a suitably ornamented or otherwise decorated first face plate defining base member 11 in the form of a curved elongated oval frame having opposite longitudinally extending side legs 12 separated by a longitudinal slot 13 with converging end edges. An integrally formed cross bar 14 extends transversely between side legs 12 proximate a finger piece defining first end 16 of base member 11.

A leg 17 extends from cross bar 14 rearwardly and inwardly away from base end 16 and has integrally formed at its rear end a substantially linear, longitudinally extending, resilient first clamp arm 18 terminating in a forwardly outwardly inclined leg 19 projecting to the end of slot 13 proximate base end 20 of base member 11 opposite the base end 16. The rear face of first clamp arm 18 is provided with longitudinally spaced rearwardly directed medially located teeth 21. A resilient spring arm 22 projects rearwardly and outwardly from cross bar 14 in the direction of base end 16. A first pair of transversely spaced ears 23 project rearwardly from base side legs 12 proximate end 16 and are provided with a pair of transversely aligned journal openings and a second pair of transversely spaced ears 24 project rearwardly from base side legs 12 proximate end 20 and are likewise provided with a pair of transversely aligned journal openings. Base member 11, first clamp arm 18, leg 17, spring arm 22 and ears 23 and 24 are integrally formed as a unit in any suitable manner such as by injection molding.

A second longitudinally extending resilient clamp arm 26 which is rearwardly longitudinally concave is of the shape of a curved rectangular frame hinged between ears 24. Specifically, clamp arm 26 includes a pair of parallel side legs 27 delineating a longitudinal slot 28 longer and of greater width than first clamp arm 28, the side legs 27 being joined at opposite ends by end legs 29 and 30 respectively. End leg 29 is provided with integrally formed transversely projecting pivot pins 32 which are journalled in the openings in cars 24 and end leg 30 is provided with an outwardly projecting medial locking tongue 33 of lesser width than end leg 30.

A lock member 34 is supported between ears 23 for rocking about a transverse axis and includes a longitudinally extending flat front plate or wall 36, a longitudinally extending flat rear plate or wall 37 substantially parallel to wall'36 and a pair of parallel side walls 38 interconnecting and integrally formed with walls 36 and 37. Side walls 38 abut the confronting faces of ears 23 and are provided with outwardly directed pivots which are journalled in the openings in ears 23.

Locking member walls 36 and 37 and clamp arm 26, tongue 33 amd spring arm 22 are so dimensioned and related that when clamp arm 26 is in its open position and locking member 34 is in its unlock or release position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the latching opening 39, delineated by the inner edges of walls 36, 37 and 38, is rearwardly inwardly directed with the inner edge of wall 36 lying in the path of locking tongue 33, and the inner edge of wall 37 lying outside such path. In the locking member open position, spring arm 22 bears on the front or outer edge of wall 26 and the inside face of wall 37 to releaseably maintain locking member 34 in its unlock position.

Upon swinging second clamp arm toward its clamp position, tourque 33 engages and bears on the rear edge of wall 36 to rock locking member 34 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 4 toward its lock position as shown in FIG. 3 against the influence of spring arm 22. As lock member 34 passes its equilibrium position intermediate its lock and unlock positions the outer edge of wall 36 is engaged by spring arm 22 outwardly of the rocking axis of lock member 34 to urge lock member 34 clockwise to its fully locked position. It should be noted that the rearward pressure of tongue 33 on the inside face of wall 37 when locking member 34 is in its lock position does not impart a counterclockwise opening tongue thereto, because of the point of bearing thereon immediately following any counterclockwise rotation of locking member 34 is outside the rocking axis. The only manner in which lock member 34 may be opened to release second clamp arm 26 is by finger pressure on the outer border of wall 37, as shown in FIG. 3, to rotate lock member 34 counterclockwise beyond its equilibrium position.

In employing the barrette a selected tress of hair H is embraced between clamp anns 18 and 26 and clamp arm 26 is then swung to its closed position with tongue 33 engaging wall 36 to swing lock member 34 to its lock position as explained above, so that the tress of hair is firmly and positively clasped and clamped between locked clamp arms 18 and 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the teeth 21 preventing lateral movement of the barrette 10 and the shaping of the tress and its engagement between the confronting side faces of clamp arms 18 and 26 preventing the longitudinal movement of barrette 10 in the hair of the user. To detach the barrette 10 from hair H, the clamp arm 26 is swung to its open position by finger swinging lock member 34 in the manner described above, to its release position.

In FIG. 5 there is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention differing from that first described in that the base section is constructed for attachment of an ornament instead of being directly ornamented and decorated. Specifically the clasp device 40 includes a base section 41 of forwardly convex rectangular frame configuration including parallel side legs 42 and end legs 43 delineating a longitudinal slot 44. Apertures 46 are formed in legs 42 and 43 to facilitate the attachment of any desirable ornament A, shown by broken line, such as by coupling pins, rivets or the like. In all other respects the construction of device 40 is similar to that of the device 10, the base section 41 having integrally formed therewith cross bar 47, spring arm 48, first clamp arm 49 and binge ear pairs 50 and 51. A second slotted clamp arm 52 is pivoted to ears 50 and a lock member 53 is pivoted to cars 51. The structure of the various components, except base section 41, and the operation of device 40 are similar to the corresponding components and operation of device 10 as earlier described.

While there have been described preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

What 1 claim is:

1. A hair clasp device comprising:

A. a unitary formed base unit, injection molded of a resilient synthetic organic polymeric resin and including:

l. a longitudinally extending front base member,

2. first and second pairs of transversely spaced rearwardly directed ears located proximate opposite ends of said base member,

3. a first longitudinally extending cantilevered resilient clamp arm positioned rearwardly of said base member and having a fixed end integrally formed with said base member at a point inwardly of said first pair of ears and the other end freely extending between said second pair of ears, and

4. a resilient cantilevered spring arm having an end integrally formed with said base member between said first clamp arm fixed end and said first pair of ears and extending rearwardly and outwardly to between said first pair of ears;

B. a second longitudinally extending arm having one end pivoted between said second ears for swinging into and out of clasping relationship with said first clamp arm and terminating at its free end and in a locking element, said free end of said first arm engaging said pivoted end of said second arm for urging said second arm into a spaced apart, nonclasping position with said first arm;

C. a locking member rotatably supported by and between said second ears for rocking about a transverse axis to lock and unlock positions respectively on opposite sides of an intermediate equilibrium position and engaged and alternatively urged by said spring arm toward said lock and unlock positions when disposed on corresponding sides of said equilibrium position;

and

D. said base member pivotable about said junction with said spring arm during said unlocking of said locking member.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first clamp arm has teeth formed on the outer face thereof and said second clamp arm has a longitudinal slot formed therein engaging said first clamp arm when said arms are in their clasp position.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said second arm includes a locking element projecting outwardly from the free end thereof, said locking member including a transverse rear section swingable with the rocking of said locking member between a lock position rear- 3,841,340 6 wardly of and registering with said locking element ber includes a transverse lower section disposed forwhen salfl second arm Said clasp Position 1 a wardly and longitudinally inwardly of said locking elelease posmon out of the path of movement of said locking element. ment when said second arm is m its released position.

4. The device of claim, 3 wherein said locking mem- 5 

1. A hair clasp device comprising: A. a unitary Formed base unit, injection molded of a resilient synthetic organic polymeric resin and including:
 1. a longitudinally extending front base member,
 2. first and second pairs of transversely spaced rearwardly directed ears located proximate opposite ends of said base member,
 3. a first longitudinally extending cantilevered resilient clamp arm positioned rearwardly of said base member and having a fixed end integrally formed with said base member at a point inwardly of said first pair of ears and the other end freely extending between said second pair of ears, and
 4. a resilient cantilevered spring arm having an end integrally formed with said base member between said first clamp arm fixed end and said first pair of ears and extending rearwardly and outwardly to between said first pair of ears; B. a second longitudinally extending arm having one end pivoted between said second ears for swinging into and out of clasping relationship with said first clamp arm and terminating at its free end and in a locking element, said free end of said first arm engaging said pivoted end of said second arm for urging said second arm into a spaced apart, non-clasping position with said first arm; C. a locking member rotatably supported by and between said second ears for rocking about a transverse axis to lock and unlock positions respectively on opposite sides of an intermediate equilibrium position and engaged and alternatively urged by said spring arm toward said lock and unlock positions when disposed on corresponding sides of said equilibrium position; and D. said base member pivotable about said junction with said spring arm during said unlocking of said locking member.
 2. first and second pairs of transversely spaced rearwardly directed ears located proximate opposite ends of said base member,
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first clamp arm has teeth formed on the outer face thereof and said second clamp arm has a longitudinal slot formed therein engaging said first clamp arm when said arms are in their clasp position.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said second arm includes a locking element projecting outwardly from the free end thereof, said locking member including a transverse rear section swingable with the rocking of said locking member between a lock position rearwardly of and registering with said locking element when said second arm is said clasp position and a release position out of the path of movement of said locking element.
 3. a first longitudinally extending cantilevered resilient clamp arm positioned rearwardly of said base member and having a fixed end integrally formed with said base member at a point inwardly of said first pair of ears and the other end freely extending between said second pair of ears, and
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said locking member includes a transverse lower section disposed forwardly and longitudinally inwardly of said locking element when said second arm is in its released position.
 4. a resilient cantilevered spring arm having an end integrally formed with said base member between said first clamp arm fixed end and said first pair of ears and extending rearwardly and outwardly to between said first pair of ears; B. a second longitudinally extending arm having one end pivoted between said second ears for swinging into and out of clasping relationship with said first clamp arm and terminating at its free end and in a locking element, said free end of said first arm engaging said pivoted end of said second arm for urging said second arm into a spaced apart, non-clasping position with said first arm; C. a locking member rotatably supported by and between said second ears for rocking about a transverse axis to lock and unlock positions respectively on opposite sides of an intermediate equilibrium position and engaged and alternatively urged by said spring arm toward said lock and unlock positions when disposed on corresponding sides of said equilibrium position; and D. said base member pivotable about said junction with said spring arm during said unlocking of said locking member. 